CHP investigates outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection at residential child care centre
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The 20 affected children, nine boys and 11 girls aged from 2 months to 3 years, have developed fever, runny nose and cough since October 21. All sought medical attention and four of them were discharged after hospitalisation. All of the children are now in a stable condition.
The nasopharyngeal swabs of four affected children tested positive for parainfluenza virus (PIV) while throat swabs taken from two affected children tested positive for enterovirus/rhinovirus upon laboratory testing.
Officers of the CHP conducted site visits to the institution and provided preventive advice against URI. The institution has been put under medical surveillance.
PIV commonly causes respiratory infections, especially in young children, which usually manifests as a mild upper respiratory infection. However, it may sometimes cause more serious clinical conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis and bronchiolitis, especially among the elderly and immunocompromised patients. PIV mainly spreads by contact with secretions of infected persons as well as contaminated objects and surfaces.
The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene for protection against respiratory illnesses:
* Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
* When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
* Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
* Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
* Put on a surgical mask when respiratory symptoms develop;
* Maintain good indoor ventilation;
* Avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider putting on surgical masks in such places; and
* Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
The public can visit the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk) for more information on URI.
Ends/Friday, December 2, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:42
Issued at HKT 17:42
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